IM Accomodation and arrival time

Depends on where it's at. Some locations are easier to travel to than others. How far you're traveling factors into that as well. Not really giving us much to go on.

If I was driving in, say, about 6hrs or so, I might not arrive until 2 days before. Or the evening of the 3rd day. 

So, where is it? How far is it from where you are? Are you driving or flying? How far ahead are you planning? Depending on the race, you might have to book accommodations much farther in advance than others.

I like to rent a house or condo...that way I can cook for myself all week and have better control over what I eat.  That isn't an option at every venue.  I don't necessarily go for the cheapest thing...I like comfort.  I won't go crazy and I am economical, but super-cheap scares me a bit.  I don't want to have anything hurt my ability to be comfortable and get rest.

If you can afford to get to the venue in time to register on the first day of registration that really helps.  The second day of registration tends to be a lot more chaotic and takes longer.  You want to avoid anything that causes stress.  So, for me that means getting there early to have plenty of time to get my stuff done and relax.

hi sorry for lack of info

its about a good 4 hour drive, but a lot of motels and houses to rent have already gone 8 months out so will need to book soon

i am racing on a saturday so was thinking of ariving wednesday ? maybe a day to early ....... the family and friends will probably arive on the friday

If you can afford it, I'd go with an extended stay type place with mini-kitchen or a house if you can afford it. Being cramped in a hotel for 4-5 days can get kind of crazy. 

Getting there Wed afternoon and registering in the early evening is nice. Thurs-Friday is good for getting your bags together and last minute things. 

4hr drive? Nice! 

For both of mine I've stayed in an extended-stay type of hotel (not house) with a kitchen. These kinds of places are Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, StayBridge Suites, etc. In Louisville it was $90/night and in Madison I shared with another athlete a 2-bed/2-bath suite for $200/night - really not bad, and super nice to have a stove and such to cook pasta/rice/whatever.

Those are also generally bigger suites so you can spread out your bike, gear, family, etc. I highly recommend!

I recently did IMCDA and brought 4 family members with me.  We stayed in a rental house which was about a 10 minute walk from the race venue.  If it's at all possible, not having to worry about driving, traffic, or parking is really awesome.

Keep in mind that the last day to check in for IM is usually (sometimes? always?) 2 days before the race.... so don't arrive Friday evening for a Sunday race, or Thursday evening for a Saturday race, or you might not be racing!!

What race are you doing? 

Next, look into the extended stay places. Depending on how many family members are going, you get one room/suite, they get another. 

www.vrbo.com

Best site I've used. 

Post your question here at the IM forum for possible solutions, too -
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/forum-view.asp?fid=20#s